Portland, ME – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section approved a 151-day fishing season for the 2006-2007 northern shrimp fishery, an 11-day increase from last year’s season. The approved season was based on recommendations of the Northern Shrimp Technical Committee and Advisory Panel.
“Our efforts to reduce fishing mortality in the early 2000’s have led to a greater abundance of shrimp and record catches in the Gulf of Maine summer survey,” stated Section Chair Ritchie White from New Hampshire. “By expanding the upcoming the fishing season, we are able to pass on the benefits of an improved resource by providing new harvesting and marketing opportunities.”
The Section also made a conditional commitment to set a 151-day fishing season for 2007/2008, provided fishing mortality, landings, and the number of directed trips for shrimp do not exceed acceptable levels and the 2007 stock assessment remains favorable. Reappearance of strong 2003 and 2004 year-classes show promise in maintaining relatively high stock abundance and enhancing market conditions. “The Section is encouraged by the prospect of continued abundance levels that should support increased economic benefits and stability to harvesters and processors,” continued Mr. White.
The 2007 fishing season, which is the same for mobile and trap gear, will be open seven days a week from December 1, 2006, through April 30, 2007.
The northern shrimp fishery is jointly regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the States of Maine and New Hampshire through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section. The cooperative management program has been in place since 1972 and is currently managed under Amendment 1 to the Northern Shrimp Fishery Management Plan. For more information, please contact Braddock Spear, Northern Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202) 289- 6400, ext. 301 or bspear@asmfc.org.